Picture this: it’s 6 PM, you’re exhausted, and the thought of cooking feels like climbing Mount Everest in flip-flops. Enter the slow cooker—your lazy genius BFF.

This chicken and veggie stew isn’t just food; it’s a warm hug in a bowl that practically cooks itself.

No fancy skills, no babysitting the stove, just dump, set, and forget. And the best part? Your kitchen smells like a five-star restaurant while you binge-watch your favorite show.

Who said adulthood had to be hard?

What Makes This Recipe a Game-Changer

This stew is the culinary equivalent of a mic drop. It’s packed with tender chicken, hearty veggies, and a broth so flavorful you’ll want to drink it straight.

The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, breaking down the chicken into melt-in-your-mouth perfection while the veggies soak up all the goodness.

Plus, it’s idiot-proof—no stirring, no burning, just pure laziness with delicious results.

Slow Cooker Chicken and Veggie Stew – Comfort Made Easy

Recipe by Wendy CarterCourse: Dinner

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

hours

Calories

320

kcal

Ingredients

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts if you’re into dry meat, I guess)
3 carrots, chopped
3 celery stalks, chopped
1 onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced (or 1 tbsp pre-minced because we’re not judging)
4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium if you care about your blood pressure)
1 tsp thyme
1 tsp rosemary
Salt and pepper to taste (aka “until your ancestors whisper ‘enough’”)
2 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing, optional but highly recommended)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sauté the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Cook onions, garlic, carrots, and celery for 5 minutes until slightly softened. Skip this if you’re truly lazy—just toss everything raw into the slow cooker.
Layer the ingredients: Add chicken to the slow cooker, followed by the sautéed (or raw) veggies. Pour in chicken broth and sprinkle herbs, salt, and pepper.
Cook it low and slow: Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours. The chicken should shred easily with a fork when done.
Shred and serve: Remove chicken, shred it, and return it to the pot. Stir and taste—adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, preferably with crusty bread for maximum comfort.

How to Store Leftovers (If Any)

Let the stew cool before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll last in the fridge for 3–4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove or microwave until piping hot.

Pro tip: Freeze individual portions for future lazy-you.

Why This Stew is Basically a Superfood

It’s protein-packed, loaded with veggies, and low in calories—unless you drown it in cheese, which, honestly, respect.

The slow cooking preserves nutrients better than boiling, and it’s gluten-free, dairy-free, and customizable. Plus, it’s cheaper than takeout and won’t leave you in a food coma.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 320
Protein: 28g
Carbs: 12g
Fat: 10g
Fiber: 3g

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the chicken: Even slow cookers have limits. 8 hours is plenty—any longer, and you’ll need a chainsaw to cut it.
Skimping on seasoning: Broth alone won’t save you.
Taste and adjust before serving.
Using frozen chicken: Thaw it first, unless you enjoy playing bacterial roulette.

Swaps and Alternatives

No chicken? Use turkey or even chickpeas for a vegetarian twist. Swap carrots for sweet potatoes, or add mushrooms for extra umami.

Broth too bland? A splash of white wine or lemon juice will wake it up. FYI, the slow cooker is your playground—experiment.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Sure, if you like drier meat.

Thighs stay juicier during long cooking, but breasts work in a pinch. Just reduce cooking time by an hour.

Do I really need to sauté the veggies first?

Nope, but it adds depth. Raw veggies = lighter flavor.

Your call, chef.

Can I dump everything in frozen?

Technically yes, but the texture will suffer, and the cooking time will be unpredictable. Thaw your ingredients—your future self will thank you.

Final Thoughts

This stew is the ultimate weeknight cheat code. Minimal effort, maximum flavor, and leftovers that taste even better the next day.

If you haven’t tried it yet, what are you waiting for? Your slow cooker is judging you.

Slow Cooker Chicken and Veggie Stew – Comfort Made Easy

What Makes This Recipe a Game-Changer